Expanding your business with Amazon Global Selling can open up exciting growth opportunities. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand all the fees and charges involved in selling internationally on Amazon.
From account setup and logistics to fulfillment and currency conversion, here’s a complete guide for Amazon’s Fees & Charges tailored for every sellers looking to go global.
1. Amazon Global Selling Account Fee
There are two selling plans:
- Individual Plan: Not available for global selling. This is for those selling a few items per month (mostly for local sellers).
- Monthly subscription: USD $39.99 - This is a fixed monthly subscription fee regardless of the number of products sold.
To sell internationally, you must choose the Professional Selling Plan. Required for sellers on Amazon.com, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada, and other international marketplaces.
2. Referral Fee (Category Commission)
Amazon charges a referral fee on each sale made through its platform. It varies based on product category and marketplace.
- This fees can varies by product category and marketplace
- Ranges between 8% and 17%
- Example:
- Electronics: ~8%
- Apparel & Accessories: ~17%
- Beauty, Toys, Kitchenware: ~15%
Amazon deducts this as a percentage of the total sales price (including shipping).
3. Fulfillment Fees: FBA vs. FBM
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
When you choose FBA, Amazon stores, packs, ships, and handles customer service.
- Based on product size & weight
- Average cost: ₹250 to ₹600 per unit
- Includes customer returns and 24x7 service
Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM)
If you fulfill orders yourself using a courier partner:
- You’ll pay for international shipping yourself via a courier or logistics provider.
- Costs depend on destination country, weight, dimensions, and shipping method.
- International courier costs can range from ₹500 to ₹2,000 per unit
4. International Shipping Charges (to Amazon Warehouse or Buyer)
If you’re shipping products:
- To an Amazon FBA warehouse abroad → Use third-party logistics (3PL) or Amazon Global Logistics (AGL)
- Directly to buyers (FBM) → Use courier partners like DHL, FedEx, Aramex, India Post, etc.
Estimated Costs:
- Small packages: ₹500–₹2,000 per unit (depending on weight & location)
- Bulk FBA shipments: Per kg charges + customs clearance
Pro Tip:
- Compare AGL vs. third-party couriers for best rates and reliability.
- Also, compare rates using Amazon’s FBA revenue calculator for your chosen marketplace.
5. GST, LUT & Export Compliance (India)
Exports from India are zero-rated under GST.
But Indian sellers must:
- Register under GST
- File Letter of Undertaking (LUT) to avoid paying IGST on exports
- Maintain shipping bills and export invoices for compliance
6. Import Duties in Destination Country
Import taxes are applicable based on:
- Product HS code
- Customs regulations of the destination country (US, UK, EU, etc.)
Choose your duty model:
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): You bear all import duties
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid): Buyer pays duties at delivery
7. Currency Conversion & Payout Fees
Amazon transfers international sales earnings to your INR account through Amazon Currency Converter for Sellers (ACCS).
- Conversion fee: ~3.5% of the amount converted
- Banks may also charge additional forex conversion fees
Example: For a $100 sale (~₹8,300), you may receive ~₹8,000 after deductions.
8. Packaging & Labeling Costs
To meet Amazon’s global packaging requirements:
- Use barcode stickers (FNSKU), polybags, boxes, inserts, bubble wrap
- Some countries require bilingual warnings or special labels
- Cost per unit: ₹15–₹50, depending on size and fragility
9. Return Fees & Restocking Charges
- FBA returns: You may be charged a returns processing fee
- FBM returns: You must pay for reverse logistics, restocking, and possible damage
Returns from abroad are costly — especially for bulky or low-margin items. Use clear policies and proper labeling to reduce return rates.
10. Optional Costs: Ads, Branding & Certifications
Additional charges you may need to factor in:
- Amazon Advertising (PPC): You control the budget — usually ₹2,000–₹10,000/month to start
- Product Photography / A+ Content: One-time or recurring cost depending on catalog updates which can range between ₹500–₹5,000 per product
- Product Certifications: FDA (US), CE (EU), FSSAI (India), etc.
Summary Table of Amazon Global Selling Costs
|
Cost Component |
Estimated Cost |
Notes |
|
Seller Account Fee |
$39.99/month (₹3,400) |
Required for global marketplaces |
|
Referral Fee |
8%–17% of sales price |
Varies by category |
|
FBA Fulfillment Fee |
₹250–₹600 per unit |
Based on size and weight |
|
FBM Shipping Charges |
₹500–₹2,000 per shipment |
Courier-based |
|
GST & Export Compliance |
LUT filing required, GST = 0% |
Ensure documentation is in order |
|
Currency Conversion Charges |
~3.5% of total payout |
Via ACCS |
|
Packaging & Labeling |
₹15–₹50 per unit |
FNSKU, polybags, inserts, etc. |
|
Return Fees |
Varies (based on FBA or FBM) |
FBA charges returns processing fee |
|
Ads & Certifications |
₹2,000–₹10,000/month (optional) |
Optional but recommended for growth |
Conclusion: Know Before You Go Global
While Amazon Global Selling offers excellent global exposure and scalability, success starts with smart pricing. Knowing your complete cost structure — including fixed and variable fees, helps you make informed decisions and stay profitable in international markets. Each fee plays a role in the buyer experience, platform trust, and regulatory compliance — so plan your export journey with clear numbers in mind.
Don’t forget to use Amazon’s FBA calculator and revenue estimator to check your margins before launching in a new marketplace.
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